Ford F-150 2018 Diesel Review – The Prius of Light Trucks

In 2014, RAM launched a small revolution in the world of the full-size van: a V6 turbodiesel. This engine was essentially trying to reduce the thirst of RAM 1500 while maintaining its capabilities.

Despite its great skills, it will be remembered especially its software trafficking its pollutant emissions brought to light in 2017. This did not however slow down the democratization of diesel in this category. Ford has just incorporated it into its popular Ford F-150 2018 Diesel.

Its design

The wise eye will have noticed, the Ford F-150 2018 Diesel has been slightly remodeled to keep pace with the RAM 1500, GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado, rivals that are the subject of complete redesigns for 2019.

The designers have focused on the front grille, whose immodesty is matched only by the huge footprint of the van. It is now lined with headlights cut in C. The marriage between the two components is done by means of thick horizontal bands superimposed horizontal, which seek to accentuate the presence of a blue oval of a size – obviously – disproportionate. The front fenders are seeking to visually enhance this width, already obvious. At the back, the box panel is also retouched, proudly exposing in large font the model (F-150) inlaid into its aluminum alloy.

On board

Diesel livery is only available in two interior configurations, SuperCab and SuperCrew.

The tried-and-tested was equipped with the latter, a cavernous full-size cabin that can easily accommodate five people, regardless of their physique. Accessed by means of retractable steps (optional), so as not to encroach on the ground clearance, it puts on an angular presentation giving an impression of robustness by some features more pronounced around the ventilation nozzles. After adapting to the steering wheel, which piled a little too many orders, we discover good general ergonomics. The keys, which border a few knobs, are well arranged. Finishing side, it is overall pretty good, except for some moldings that are not always airtight in their setting. The storage is, in turn, numerous and bulky.

Under the hood

Ford here takes a recipe similar to that used by RAM with its EcoDiesel engine.

With a displacement of 3 liters, this V6 turbodiesel produced in England is of course based on its torque of 440 lb-ft obtained at 1750 rpm to be convincing. This brute force makes its presence felt with steady departures in tone. That said, the 250 hp somewhat limit the momentum in recovery or higher speed, without this is a real handicap. This engine also spreads excellent ways. Soft and extremely quiet, it is discreet throughout urban or highway journeys. The 10-speed automatic transmission greatly aids in consistent, steady gyration. We thus obtain an average consumption which can reach the average 10 L / 100 km, without having to drive at a speed of turtle.

Behind the wheel

While the RAM 1500 seeks to differentiate itself with a road behavior that inevitably approaches that of a full-size sedan, the F-150 assumes its positioning.

Equipped with a direction with a good degree of precision, the truck presents crate movements all the same quite pronounced on the bumps, especially the rear end. Unlike Chevrolet, GMC and RAM, Ford does not offer adjustable dampers to counter these movements. Nevertheless, the F-150 remains an excellent companion for long journeys thanks to its great comfort, its excellent soundproofing and its well cut seats. The beltline, slightly lower on a portion of the front doors, benefits the visibility, which is excellent in any case, no matter where you look. The trailer management system is also a very interesting added value.

Embedded technologies

It is far away, the time when the van was only used to carry heavy loads without much refinement.

The F-150 essentially wants to convince the buyer to use it as the first vehicle thanks to a very complete standard and optional equipment. Imagine, Ford even offers the option of massage seats (!). The Sync 3 infotainment system is the most intuitive and complete version offered by the manufacturer so far, far from its first generation which was a horror to use. It is extended by an instrumentation block located in front of the steering wheel which holds a lot of data and by which one can control almost everything. In terms of sound, the B & O Play channel (Bang & Olufsen equipment division) is of better quality than previously used Sony channels.

Verdict

Despite the great qualities of the engine, one question remains unanswered: is the transition to diesel really worth it?

Available only from the Lariat version at a starting price of $ 59,000 without all-wheel drive, which is almost $ 10,000 more than the 2.7L V6 EcoBoost with the same equipment, it is not the scope of all scholarships. Its higher towing capacity, up to 5171 kg depending on configurations, and its undeniable frugality make it an option of choice if you can afford the surcharge. It’s certainly one of the most exciting drivers in its segment right now. However, Ford will have to reassure the consumer fearful of the polluting emissions of such a mechanism, an image deficit that is not easy to reshape.

The appetite of a compact SUV

With an average fuel consumption of 9.5 L / 100 km, the F-150 diesel has an average fuel consumption similar to that of a Mazda CX-5 (9.3 L / 100 km) or a Toyota RAV4 (9, 5 L / 100 km), according to EnerGuide.

The hybrid is coming

Ford is working to develop a hybrid version of the F-150 for the 2020 model year, which should allow even greater frugality.

A European engine

It may have the name Power Stroke, as the diesel engine of the Ford Super Duty range, this V6 is the result of a partnership with Peugeot Citroen and is also used by Land Rover.

Aluminum, a lot of aluminum

As you probably know, this generation of the F-150 makes use of a large amount of aluminum alloy to lower its weight. The entire body is composed.

Limit emissions

Like many modern diesel engines, the truck’s antipollution system is equipped with a urea injection system to reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides. However, you must keep an eye on the level of the tank that is gradually emptying.